2026 Dodge Dakota

The 2026 RAM Dodge Dakota is a trailblazing mid-size truck that bridged the gap between compact and full-size trucks by the RAM brand, formerly Dodge. The 2026 Ram/Dodge Dakota returns with high expectations as a robust mid-size pickup truck designed to bridge the gap between the compact and full-size Ram 1500. Featuring a bold design with LED light strips and a refined, tech-focused interior, the Dakota offers a choice of a 2.2L turbocharged diesel engine for efficiency, and a powerful 3.6L V6 or 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo engine.

Dodge Dakota 2026 USA

Dodge Dakota 2026 Interior

Dodge designed the Dakota for both work and leisure. The vehicle boasts a robust chassis, a payload capacity of up to 2,200 pounds, a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds, and advanced off-road, 4×4 capabilities. According to industry predictions for 2026, the Dodge Dakota (planned to return under the Ram/Stellantis umbrella) will directly compete in the mid-size pickup truck segment with the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and Chevrolet Colorado.

2026 Dodge Dakota : Interior

Inside, the 2026 Ram Dakota interior is designed to combine robust durability with cutting-edge technology, aiming to be at the top of the mid-size truck segment. The cabin is expected to feature a sophisticated, high-quality design language with premium fabrics, leather upholstery, and an enhanced sound system offering high-quality, soft-touch materials to create a comfortable, car-like ambiance. A defining feature of the 2026 model is the technology cockpit, equipped with a connected digital instrument panel and a large, central infotainment screen running the latest Uconnect software. This screen will also include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Dodge Dakota Pickup Truck 2026

The 2026 Dakota center console is designed for practical use and typically features a fixed layout including multiple storage compartments, a rotary or joystick gear selector, and an electric parking brake. The 2026 Dakota’s interior offers practical, driver-focused ergonomics with a multi-function steering wheel and touch controls for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Dodge Dakota 2026 Concept

Dodge Dakota 2026

The 2026 Dodge Dakota seating arrangement is expected to prioritize front-seat comfort, with heated and electrically adjustable options, while rear passengers are provided with ample legroom and rear climate control ventilation. The overall feel is refined rather than understated; it uses a combination of premium materials and robust finishes to appeal to those who want a lifestyle vehicle but still need the capabilities of a work truck. The interior is designed to have a modern feel with advanced features such as dual-zone climate control and a clear-body 3D surround view camera to aid off-road navigation, directly challenging rivals such as the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger.

2026 Dodge Dakota : Engine

The Dodge Dakota is expected to feature an improved and more efficient powertrain option designed to compete with today’s mid-size trucks directly; this system largely utilizes Stellantis’ Hurricane engine family. While official details are not yet finalized, reports indicate a primary focus on turbocharged power; a base engine could be a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder or a more powerful 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine capable of producing up to 400-500 horsepower, potentially setting a new performance standard for the segment. These engines are expected to be paired with a standard 8-speed automatic transmission, offering significant improvements in both efficiency and towing capacity compared to the previous version, which aimed for a maximum towing capacity of around 7,000 pounds.

The 2026 Dakota is also expected to align with modern industry trends, offering hybrid or electric powertrain options, providing a balance between fuel efficiency and increased torque for off-road capabilities. The truck is expected to feature enhanced 4×4 systems, likely incorporating advanced traction management technology, and offer turbocharged diesel options for improved durability and range in some models or special concepts. The platform, likely utilizing the STLA architecture, provides this flexibility, ensuring the Dakota can be configured to meet a variety of needs, from work-oriented daily use vehicles to high-performance off-road vehicles.

2026 Dodge Dakota : Safety

The RAM Dodge Dakota is expected to place a strong emphasis on modern safety, likely including advanced driver-assistance technologies such as automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control as standard or optional features. Designed to compete in the mid-size segment, the vehicle aims to combine the robust and powerful stance of the Ram truck with updated, safe technologies suitable for both the workplace and family. While specific crash test ratings have not yet been released, the 2026 RAM Dodge Dakota is expected to offer a stronger structure and a full airbag system, possibly including side curtain airbags.